Korea Aerospace, MBDA Working on Firing Meteor Missile From Internal Bay of KF-21 Jet

After strapping the medium range Meteor cruise missile onto the external hardpoints of the KF-21 jet, Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) and MBDA are working on positioning the missile in the internal weapons bay of the Korean fighter.

Firing the missile from an internal weapons bay will enhance the stealth capability of the KF-21, similar to the F-35. The Meteor has also been selected as one of missile options for the U.S. made jet.

Meteor is a beyond-visual-range air-to-air missile (BVRAAM) with a ramjet engine, offering superior range and maneuverability.

Integrating the Meteor missile onto the KF-21 is a complex challenge, requiring expertise in aerodynamics, engineering, radar, datalinking, and software, as well as collaboration between MBDA, Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI), and Korea’s DAPA.

In July 2022, the KF-21 took its first flight carrying four Meteor missiles, and this was followed by successful ejection tests in 2023 and firing trials in 2024.

After successful flight and ejection tests, Meteor's performance on the KF-21 has been confirmed, with the first operational missiles set for delivery to the Republic of Korea Air Force (ROKAF).

The KF-21 and F-35 will both carry a common stockpile of Meteor missiles internally.